The Funeral at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral of Lance Corporal Peter Eustace,aged 25,from the 2nd Battalion The Rifles,who was killed in Afghanistan. Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion The Rifles,carry Peter,s Coffin out of the Cathedral

Lance Corporal Peter Eustace, 25, was killed by an improvised explosive device while on patrol in Helmand province on November 16.

Shortly before 1pm yesterday the hearse carrying the 6ft 4ins soldier of 2nd Battalion, The Rifles, slowly made its way up to Liverpool Cathedral on a bright but cold winter’s day.

Following him was his mum Carol, sister Kirsty, brother Ryan and girlfriend Aimi, along with dozens of other family members and friends.

Aimi described L/Cpl Eustace as “the love of my life” and the “piece” that completed her.

The family said they are still coming to terms with the death of the former painter and decorator.

In a separate statement, read by Major Chris Lamb before the service, they said: “At this sad time it is still very unreal, all the family still expect to hear Peter’s booming voice and see his huge frame bounce through the door.

“Peter was a gentle giant with a huge Scouse character, he was a daredevil and nothing stopped him achieving his goals.”

His Union Flag shrouded coffin was carried into the vast nave of Liverpool Cathedral to Elgar’s Nimrod and was followed by a crowd so large it took more than 10 minutes for everyone to get inside the church so the service could begin.

L/Cpl Eustace parish priest, Canon Mark Stanford of St Philemon's, Toxteth, read a tribute from Aimi during the service, which said: "I've nothing but happy memories of our time together, inseparable from the beginning, never a crossed word between us, you were my missing piece.

“P you’re the love of my life and no one will ever compare to you. I miss you so much it hurts. Love you forever, all my love always, your girl, your Aims."

He was remembered by Major Lamb, who read out memorial statements from L/Cpl Eustace’s fellow soldiers.

He was “one of those men you can completely rely on when things get tough,” but also a source of “endless banter” and “blessed with a huge character”.

Canon Stanford read out memories from the Dingle man’s childhood friends and more family tributes, remembering a “brilliant cousin” and much-loved brother.

Hymns including I Vow to Thee my Coutry were sung.

The crowd applauded L/Cpl Eustace as he made his final journey from the cathedral to Allerton cemetery for a private interment.